European Capitals of Culture 2014

Riga and Umeå take the places of Marseille and Kosice as the two European Capitals of Culture for 2014. They will have a year of music, theatre, dance, film and literature events showing their culture to the world.

The Latvian capital, Riga, has as one of the main events a human chain transferring books from hand to hand. From the old National Library of Latvia Building to the new 'Gaismas Pils' (Palace of Light) National Library Building.

The Swedish city of Umeå, the most northerly Capital of Culture ever, will offer its audiences and visitors from all around Europe a challenging and innovative year.

The European Capitals of Culture are designated by the Council of the European Union for a period of one year during which they organise a series of cultural events with a strong European dimension. Started in 1985, the initiative has become one of the most prestigious and high-profile cultural events in Europe. A city is not chosen as a European Capital of Culture solely for what it is, but mainly for what it plans to do for a year that has to be exceptional.